Doctors use saline-infusion sonography to detect uterine abnormalities.
Saline-infused sonography, also known as sonohysterography, is a procedure doctors recommend to verify the origin of abnormal vaginal bleeding. During the procedure, a medical professional will use a minimally invasive technique to infuse saline into your uterus. This allows for easier detection of uterine abnormalities, such as tumors and polyps. Because saline-infused sonography is different from other sonography procedures, preparing for the procedure is also different.
Instructions
1. Call the provider who will be performing the sonohysterogram on the first day of your normal menstrual flow to schedule your appointment. Timing is important, as the ideal time to undergo the procedure is between the fifth and 12th day of your menstrual cycle.
2. Take antibiotics as prescribed before the test. If you have had any type of infection of your fallopian tubes and/or your uterus, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics before saline-infusion sonography.
3. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure. Although you will wear a gown during the procedure, you will want comfortable clothing to change back into afterward.
4. Take an over-the-counter pain medication approximately 30 minutes before the procedure. Medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help to manage potential cramping.
Tags: comfortable clothing, saline-infusion sonography, uterine abnormalities, your uterus
